A ransom note connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, reportedly states that the 84-year-old has died, according to law enforcement sources cited by CNN and other news organizations. The note allegedly indicates that the kidnappers did not intend to kill her, but she died shortly after her abduction from her home in the foothills near Tucson, Arizona, in early February.
Several media outlets had previously reported receiving ransom notes in the days following Guthrie's disappearance. CNN, which reported on Monday that it was aware of the contents of one such note, said the outlet and others agreed not to publicly disclose the details to allow for authentication of any future communications with the kidnappers. A Tucson TV station reportedly received two notes as well.
Savannah Guthrie's Emotional Plea
On Tuesday, Savannah Guthrie appeared on the Today show and, with tears streaming down her face, made a heartfelt plea for information about her mother. “We are begging for your help,” she said, referencing the combined $1.1 million reward offered by her family and authorities for information leading to Nancy’s recovery and the conviction of those responsible. “Please do the right thing – for us, for our family, for our children.”
Guthrie described the family's ongoing anguish: “We love our mom. And we will never stop looking for her.” She added that they are living in “agony” and “cannot be at peace” as long as her mother’s fate remains unknown.
Investigation and Search Efforts
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department declined to comment on the contents of the ransom note, and the FBI did not respond to a request for comment. Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped or taken against her will after blood was found near her front doorstep. The FBI later released surveillance footage showing a masked man on the porch on the night of her disappearance.
Volunteers and search teams have scoured the surrounding desert terrain, which is filled with cactuses, bushes, and boulders. A volunteer group recently conducted a search near the Arizona-Mexico border but did not report finding her. Jessica Bobula, news director of Tucson TV station KOLD, confirmed that the station received several notes after Guthrie vanished and has only shared information released by the FBI.
